Introduction to Resume WritingHost: Career and Student Services CoordinatorMs. Sarah-Lynn Brunnerbsarahlynn@itu.edu408.331.1026 Ext:220

Overview of Student Success Center

• Individual Career Counseling• Drop-ins• Workshops• Career Assessment

Tools• Mock Interviews• Career Resource Library• Career Fairs

• ITU RecruitingJob ListingsResume MatchOn-campus Interviews

Agenda

• Purpose of a resume• Resume formats• Sections of a resume•What not to include in a resume• References

Purpose of a Resume

• Introduction to employer• Personal advertisement•Get you an interview

Basic Formats for Resumes

• Chronological • Reverse Date Order• Functional •Grouped by Skill Category

Components of a Resume

Necessary Information:• Contact information• Education• Experience (tasks, skills

learned)

Optional Information:• Objective• Course highlights• Projects/research• Computer skills• Foreign languages• Honors/awards• Volunteer work /

community service• Activities/InterestsMany more…

Contact Information

•Name•Address: Campus/Permanent• Telephone number• Email address

Objective• Convey a match between you and the position• Communicate what you have to offer• Identify skills that will benefit the organization/industry• Tailor your objective to the job/field

Example: “Seeking an internship with XYZ Corporation in which I

can utilize my proven leadership abilities and recognized customer service skills.”

Education

• Include:– Institution– City, State– Degree – Major title– Graduation date

• Optional Information:– Minor/

Concentration– Dean’s List – Grade Point

Average– Exchange

programs*– Dissertation or

Thesis*– Honors, awards,

scholarships*

List formal education with the highest degree first

Experience

• Full-time, part-time, volunteer, or internship• List in reverse chronological order• May use “Related Experience” section• Need to include:

Name of employerCity, State, and dates of employment/participationPosition titlesPosition description

Position Description

• Demonstrate achievements, knowledge, skills, highlights, and responsibilities related to the position• Use action verbs: use past and present tense consistently

and accurately• Break up large blocks of texts with bullets

Accomplishment Statements

Two parts: • The results or benefits that came as a result of your

work. These results/benefits should be stated in terms of the value added, and in as tangible and quantified a manner as possible. • The action you took to achieve those benefits/results. 

(What steps you took or what techniques you used)

Accomplishment Statements

• Benefits• Much better awareness of the skills and abilities that

will be the foundation for your job search. • Concrete credibility for everything you claim in the

way of qualifications and abilities. You will have simple documentation of the value you can bring to an employer. • Greater confidence in presenting yourself to potential

employers. You will understand better that you are not "asking for a job," but rather you are offering a contribution to an employer.

Accomplishment Statements - Increased profits- Reduced errors- Reduced losses- Improved teamwork- Made things easier- Sped things up- Foresaw a problem- Found an easier solution

-Received an award-Found a new opportunity-Accomplished more with the same- Prevented a problem- Provided new resources- Developed a new procedure- Overcame obstacles

Examples• "Saved $60 a year in service charges by proposing and

acquiring a checking account at a new bank for College Council." • " Instituted residence hall tutoring program that increased

average overall GPA from a 2.9 to a 3.3." • " Increased membership in ABC student club by 50%

through creative advertising." • "Presented training for new campus-wide email system to

approximately 30% of the student body."

Special Categories• Course highlights• Projects/research• Research awards• Certifications• Computer skills• Foreign language proficiency• Special skills• Volunteering / community involvement• Leadership activities• Honors, scholarships, awards• Activities, interests

Interests and Activities• Association memberships• Academic/social clubs• Athletic teams• Hobbies

• Include offices elected to and contributions made to the organization• Select your interests and activities carefully

What NOT to Include• Salary requirements or previous salaries• Name or contact information of supervisors• Personal information (e.g. birth date, marital status,

health status, picture, etc.)• References - place them on a separate sheet

Note: if applying for jobs outside of the US, these may not necessarily apply – do your research!

Points to Remember• Use vocabulary of your field or industry• Use concise phrases• Use numbers to quantify achievements• Avoid long paragraphs• Omit personal pronouns (I, we, he, she, you)• Action verbs

Points to Remember (cont.)

• Use bolding, italics, and underlining to highlight or separate sections• Margins should be ½ inch to 1 inch• One page length is standard• Use only one side of the paper• Laser print on quality paper

References• Have at least three references• Ask before using someone as a reference• Give resumes to your references and keep them

informed of your progress• Things to include on reference sheet:• Your contact information (same format as on resume is

recommended)• Name of reference, company or organization, address,

phone number, and email address

A Strong Cover Letter

• A Strong Cover Letter are targeted to employers and specific jobs• Promotes your abilities• Looks organized and professional• Enthusiastic and conveys interest• Clear and concise articulation of skills• Error-free

Components of a Cover Letter• Your contact information• Date• Employers’ contact information• Salutation• Introductory paragraph• Body of letter: one or more paragraphs connecting your

skills to employer needs• Conclusion• Closing• Signature, if in paper format

Opening Paragraph

• Why are you writing?• What position are you applying for?• How did you hear of the opening or organization?

Example: Dr. Anderson in the Anthropology Department at International Technological University recommended that I contact you. I would like to apply for the archaeology internship available in your office.

Middle Paragraph(s)

• Explain interest in working for this employer and reasons for desiring this position

• Do NOT iterate entire resume; rather expand on one or two areas that reflect relevant skills learned

• Emphasize skills or abilities that relate to the job• Express confidence and enthusiasm

Final Paragraph• Persistent, businesslike closing statement• Indicate desire for a personal interview• Example: I will call you on [date] to discuss this career

opportunity with [name of organization].• “Thank you” for consideration

Closing:Sincerely,Sign nameType nameEnclosure

Cover Letter Tips• Address letter to a specific person if possible• One page only• Use industry “buzz words”• Follow through with employer• Let them know you have done your homework• Say something flattering about the organization

(e.g.: “Energy Plus has an excellent reputation locally for customer satisfaction, and I would like to become part of your customer service team.”)

Good Luck!

Let us know how else we can help you!

Student Success CenterHost: Sarah-Lynn Brunner

bsarahlynn@itu.eduhttp://csc.itu.edu/